Stacey MacKenzie is a former sign language interpreter turned visual artist. She primarily paints animals and the beautiful nature that surrounds her artist retreat in Elgin, Ontario. Her moto is “Playing toward peace of mind.” When I have created a piece, and I am happy with it, or I have made someone else happy by…
Stephanie McLean is a former jazz vocalist and stage performer, turned visual artist. Her abstract portraits of performers vibrate with color and artistic energy. Like many of us, she also happens to grapple with middle-of-the-night insomnia. Stephanie and I spoke about her art, her biggest influences and the healing power of making art. Painting and creating…
My father painted that old mill, and the orange barn below, in the last six months of his life. And what’s amazing about it is that I had no idea he could paint. I don’t think he knew he could, either. For most of his life, he was a banker by day and a musician…
While a friend and I were hiking with our kids last week the conversation turned to the fantastical as it often does with children. “If you could have a super power, what would it be?” Before I could answer, the little people in our group launched into a discussion about which superpowers are the best…
Stop drinking coffee after 3 p.m. Turn off all devices at least two hours before bedtime. Don’t exercise after dinner. Don’t think about the past, or stress about the future. Don’t beat yourself up about every little thing you messed up today. Yesterday. In the past 10 years. Ugh… Anyone who is sleepless has heard…